How to Show Hidden Files Like .htaccess in Your FTP Client or File Manager

Files whose names start with a period, like .htaccess, .env, or .well-known, are called "hidden files" or "dotfiles." Most FTP clients and web-based file managers hide them by default to avoid clutter, which is why you often can't find .htaccess even though you know it's there. The fix is a single setting you turn on once in your FTP client or file manager.

Why These Files Are Hidden by Default

Hidden files usually hold configuration rather than content you edit often, so file managers tuck them away to keep folder listings clean. On your website, the most common one you'll need to find is .htaccess, which controls redirects, URL rewriting, and access rules for your site. If a step in another guide tells you to edit .htaccess and you can't see it, this is almost always why.

Hidden files like .htaccess and .env often control core site behavior or hold sensitive settings. Always download a copy before you edit one, and avoid deleting a hidden file unless you're sure what it does.

Showing Hidden Files in FileZilla

1. Connect to your hosting account as usual in FileZilla.
2. Open the Server menu at the top of the window.
3. Click Force showing hidden files.
4. Your remote file list (usually on the right side) will refresh and now include files starting with a period, such as .htaccess.

This setting applies to the current connection. If you disconnect and reconnect, you may need to turn it on again depending on your FileZilla version.

Showing Hidden Files in WinSCP

1. Connect to your hosting account in WinSCP.
2. Open the Options menu, then click Preferences.
3. Go to the Panels section.
4. Check the box for Show hidden files.
5. Click OK. The remote panel will now display dotfiles alongside your regular files.

Showing Hidden Files in Your Hosting Control Panel's File Manager

If you'd rather edit .htaccess or another dotfile directly in your browser instead of through an FTP client, your control panel's built-in File Manager has its own, separate setting for this.

In cPanel

1. Log in to cPanel and open File Manager.
2. If a Settings dialog doesn't appear automatically, click the Settings button in the top-right corner of File Manager.
3. Check the box for Show Hidden Files (dotfiles).
4. Click Save. File Manager will reload and you'll see files like .htaccess in your file list.

In DirectAdmin

1. Log in to DirectAdmin and open File Manager.
2. Look for a Show Hidden Files toggle or checkbox in the File Manager toolbar (its exact position depends on your DirectAdmin theme).
3. Enable it. The file list will refresh to include dotfiles such as .htaccess.

Once hidden files are visible, you can open, edit, or download them the same way you would any other file. If you still don't see .htaccess after enabling this setting, it may simply not exist yet in that folder; most file managers let you create a new file and name it .htaccess directly.

For more on what .htaccess actually does, see What Is a .htaccess File and What Can You Do With It?